Illinois Public Media News

Illinois Democratic Party stalwarts emerged from their national convention Thursday night energized by President Barack Obama’s acceptance speech, while acknowledging they have a tough few months of campaigning ahead of November’s elections.

A Chicago-area man designated as a terrorist is suing the federal government so he can do simple things like buy newspapers or gifts for his wife. Muhammad Salah, an American of Palestinian descent, was designated a terrorist in 1995. The designation means Americans are prohibited from engaging in financial transactions with him, which has made living in Chicago’s suburbs difficult.

Public health officials in Champaign County have spent three years studying how to best publicize restaurant inspection results. Though still under much discussion, the county is now offering Champaign diners a small appetizer of these results on the health district’s website.

Students attending the Monday night section of a course on state and local government at Illinois State University this fall are learning from someone with a little experience. State Representative ---- and ISU alumnus ---- Jason Barickman is teaching the Politics and Government 221 at the ISU campus in Normal.. The 37 year old Republican says he hopes his students will benefit from his political experience --- and experience of his guest speakers.